Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Range Lake, that Bill 16, An Act to Amend the Education Act, be read for the second time. This bill amends the Education Act to change the age of access to kindergarten programs from five years of age to four years of age. The act is also amended to reduce the minimum hours of instruction required for grades 1 through 12. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Motion is on the floor. To the principle of the bill. Member for Yellowknife North.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak in support of Bill 16, including its provision to reduce instructional hours in the classroom. I know this has become a bit of a lightning rod in local media recently. However, I believe there are logical reasons that this is a good step forward for our education system. The change in hours will bring NWT schools more in line with the Canadian average. That will make the teaching job more sustainable for teachers who love teaching in the North. It will also make the job more attractive to new teachers considering moving here. We know how important it is to attract and retain the best teachers in order to improve our students' success.
We should also recognize that, despite recent comments, fewer class hours does not mean a smaller workload. Class time with students is important, but preparation is the key to maximizing those classroom hours. Many aspects of teaching happen outside classroom time: planning lessons; assessing student work; extra time with students who need help; communicating with parents; collaboration with other teachers; creating student support plans; report cards; et cetera. The list goes on. All of these extras cannot take place during class time, and they are a crucial part of doing a good job as a teacher.
Successful student achievement is complex and involves many factors, both in and out of schools. To suggest that more class time equals better student success is just not true. Similarly, reducing class hours will not necessarily result in poorer student achievement. For those reasons, Mr. Speaker, I speak in favour of this bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. To the principle of the bill.
Question.
Question has been called. The motion is carried.
Carried
